Archive for April, 2007

www.rohs.info
Farnell has led the way in RoHS from the beginning, being the first to describe European regulations compliance for their products. Their approach has helped customers to maintain their competitive edge and improve business performance against a rapidly evolving environment. They remain focused on their commitment to RoHS and guiding their customers through the legislation. These are just a few of the reasons why Farnell has come to be recognised as the industry’s No.1 for RoHS.
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An interesting guide to build an environmental low-impact pc, with references to European regulations for hi-tec products. “Low-impact” is relative to energetic consumption and toxic chemicals, not to the rest of life cycle.

80 PLUS is an innovative, electric utility-funded incentive program to integrate more energy-efficient power supplies into desktop computers and servers.Participating utilities and energy efficiency organizations across North America have contributed over $5 million of incentives to help the computer industry transition to 80 PLUS certified power supplies.
To date over twenty power supply manufacturers have submitted product for certification and a number of computer manufacturers are selling qualified computers. Additionally, large commercial and institutional consumers are specifying 80 PLUS in their procurement policies at increasing rates.

http://www.consorzioremedia.it (english version)
Consorzio ReMedia was established at the end of 2005 by 44 consumer electronics and IT producers and is sponsored by prominent trade associations and federations. Consorzio ReMedia was established to allow Consumer Electronics, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Air Conditioning, Toys, Clocks/Watches and Musical Instruments companies to meet their obligations under Legislative Decree No. 151 (dated July the 25th, 2005 ) when it comes into force. This decree makes producers and importers responsible for organizing and financing the treatment and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) at the end of its life.
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The use of computers is becoming more and more widespread. Computers are used at work, at school and in our homes. Other IT-equipment are also frequently used in modern working life, such as mobile phones, mini-displays and smart calculators. It could be stated that the computer and related equipment have become our most used tools today. This new information technology has made work limitless as you can easily continue your work at home or elsewhere. Tele-work makes it possible for workers to be available throughout the day and night. A number of health problems have emerged, more or less related to IT use…

Under the auspices of United Nations University (UNU), an international initiative called «Solving the E-Waste Problem» (StEP) is officially launched on March the 7th, 2007. Its goals are extending the life of computers and other electronic equipment as well as markets for their reuse, reducing pollution and improving the salvage of increasingly valuable components in electrical and electronic scrap (eScrap).
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The Tango Desktop Project exists to help create a graphical user interface for free and Open Source software. It defines an icon style guideline to which artists and designers can adhere. Work has begun with the creation of a new icon theme based upon a standardized icon naming specification. In addition, the project provides transitional utilities to assist in creating icon themes for existing desktop environments, such as GNOME and KDE. Eventually, the Tango Desktop Project will provide the following initiatives: a suggested default native look; a subsystem to help standardize toolkits on a common icon naming structure; a complete set of application, mimetype, and stock icons designed using a defined style guide; a general, cross-desktop human interface guideline.